Why Motivation Follows Action, Not the Other Way Round – LifeHack

And it’s this simple principle that drives the “Do Daily” mantra:It’s a familiar scene: waiting for that one video, that one book, to be the catalyst for our grand ambitions.Each tiny victory, while seemingly inconsequential on its own, becomes part of a larger pattern of success. It creates a trajectory that not only gets noticed (bringing supporters to your cause) but also builds an internal resilience, making it easier to push through challenges. Those small, steady wins, accumulating over time, become your shield against setbacks and distractions.My team and I have built a framework around this concept, which we call the Time Flow System. It’s our unique approach to managing our most precious resource – time. At its core lies the principle of Sustainable Momentum.When we peel back the layers of the world’s most prolific artists and thinkers, we often uncover not bursts of sporadic genius, but steady routines. These are the unsung rhythms of daily life that power their immense creativity and output.

Sustainable momentum is about creating a steady rhythm in your life, where commitment to a task becomes as habitual as breathing. By setting such deliberate routines, you not only build momentum but also pave the way for genius to flow.

It’s enticing to chase after that fleeting rush of motivation or to await the perfect mood to take action. However, history’s great achievers and artists haven’t necessarily waited for the stars to align. Instead, they crafted routines, turned up consistently, and allowed momentum to grow naturally.

Action Leads to Motivation

Yet, here’s the thing: if we’re constantly waiting to “feel” ready or “feel” motivated before taking any action, we’re setting ourselves up for a never-ending loop of inactivity. Waiting to feel a certain way before we act is not a guaranteed ticket to success.That hesitation, that pull to avoid what’s challenging, isn’t just laziness or lack of discipline. It’s science.Day-to-day life can be unpredictable. What you plan for Monday might not be feasible by Wednesday. This is where a weekly overview proves invaluable. Instead of rigidly planning every day, give yourself the breathing space of a week. Here’s what it entails:Think about the last time you wanted to make a change. How many of us, when seeking that spark of motivation, sit and wait for some external force to suddenly light a fire within us?And speaking of dedication, Haruki Murakami, a name synonymous with literary brilliance, doesn’t rely on the whims of creativity. Instead, he’s up at 4 AM every day, making the conscious decision to write. Rain or shine, he’s there, embracing his routine.

Instead, consider the elegance of momentum. Picture a snowball starting its descent from the top of a hill. At first, it’s just a small lump of snow, rolling down. But as it moves, it picks up more snow, growing in size and speed. That’s the essence of momentum.When you plan weekly, you’re afforded the luxury of arranging hours with more versatility. Say, a surprise appointment crops up on Tuesday? No worries. Adjust your focus blocks accordingly. Shuffling within a week provides a smoother transition than trying to reconfigure a jam-packed day.In other words, having a consistent pattern can protect us from the unpredictability of feelings, which might otherwise divert us from our goals.

How to Create Sustainable Momentum?

Or consider the commitment of Anthony Trollope, an English novelist. Before many of us even start our day, he’d have penned three thousand words. And here’s the twist: this was before he would head off to his day job at the postal service. If he waited for ‘free time’, he might never have written a word.Our brain, in its ever-helpful design, presents us with a clash between the emotional, unconscious limbic system and the rational, conscious prefrontal cortex. When the task ahead seems daunting, the limbic system, forever our protective guardian, steps in to steer us away from perceived discomfort, nudging us back into familiar territory. And there you have it, the anatomy of procrastination.

“A solid routine fosters a well-worn groove for one’s mental energies and helps stave off the tyranny of moods.”

So, as you set your sights on any goal, big or small, remember: consistent actions and sustainable momentum are the secret sauce. Don’t just chase the highs of the one-shot motivation. Instead, make it a habit to keep the ball rolling, knowing that every small push brings you closer to success.

Focus Blocks

Planning with a weekly perspective offers a bird’s eye view of your goals. It’s not just about cramming tasks, but about aligning them with your broader objectives. This kind of planning is not only more realistic but also ensures you’re always headed in the direction you desire.

The Engine of Sustainable Momentum

You might ask, “Why not seek those big, one-off wins?” After all, they feel exhilarating. You stand atop the podium, basking in applause and the thrill of achievement.Genuine progress is about taking constant, deliberate steps. It’s not about waiting for a vast, free block of time (which, let’s admit, rarely comes). Instead, it’s about making realistic, day-to-day advancements.

1. Plan Weekly

Flexible Consistency

And creating a life rhythm that spurs creativity and productivity is quite simple, yet profound: Plan Weekly & Do Daily. It’s a principle at the heart of our Time Flow System. Let’s break it down:

Flexibility Over Rigidity

It’s easy to say, “I really want to get in shape, but today’s just not the day,” or “I’ve got this business idea, but I’m not feeling it today,” or “I’d love to paint again, but the inspiration isn’t there.”

A Clearer Vision

Mason Currey, in his book Daily Rituals: How Artists Work, delves deep into the habits of renowned personalities. As he puts it,

2. Do Daily

Initiate tasks that are feasible and can be done consistently every day. The idea isn’t to take giant leaps, but to walk steadily, ensuring that each step, however minor, moves you forward.

Don’t wait for the wave to ride. Start paddling. As you paddle consistently and create ripples, the waves of motivation will follow.

Motivation often emerges from action, not the other way around. Imagine you’re in front of a stationary bicycle. It’s hard to get it moving initially. But once you start pedaling, even slowly, you find it easier to keep going and even accelerate. That’s the power of momentum, and it’s rooted in taking the first step, no matter how tiny.

Consistency is Key

So, let’s flip the script. Dive into this article and discover the intriguing reality: motivation doesn’t precede action. Instead, it’s the other way round.

Break It Down

Here’s an idea that may sound counterintuitive: don’t wait to “feel” motivated. Start acting, even if your heart isn’t completely in it. Why? Because action, interestingly enough, can be the very thing that sparks the motivation you’ve been longing for.

The Power of Small

Darren Hardy once said,